Whitepapers

The Industry Renaissance – a fundamental transformation in which superior mastery of knowledge and know-how determining market leadership – will disrupt not only every industry but every sector. Dassault Systèmes provides a comprehensive summary on how this renaissance can be implemented by collaborating with every level of business to realise its potential.

A paradigm shift in conveyor design could overcome a number of limitations and cost drivers, realising a series of cascading benefits. CPS Technology Manager Ahmad Fleyfel discusses the advances they’ve made in DDT, where the new conveyor drive philosophy embodies design freedom and reduces costs.

Deloitte’s global mining professionals share their experiences of 2018 – commodities are slowly recovering after hitting the bottom of the cycle and combined with industry commitment to strengthen balance sheet performance the sector is once again poised for growth. The year ahead however, sees paving new paths in digitization, strengthening community relations, innovation and a more disciplined investment approach.

Understanding the influence of slurry particle size on wear is essential to maximising the life of centrifugal pumps. In this paper, Weir Minerals proposes a Slurry Wear Type (SWT) number based on particle size and distribution as a means for optimising pump application and material selection.

Most plant operators will appreciate that the burner is the heart of their process. The burner influences kiln output, product quality, NOx emissions, the creation of rings and cycles, and many other process factors. This article outlines how FCT Combustion’s advanced modeling capability combines CFD combustion reactions with numerical bed modeling, resulting in a greater understanding of how the burner design is interacting with the material bed in the kiln.

The Gold Fields group and Gekko Systems have successfully collaborated together on multiple projects in Australia and Ghana, with gravity recovery design, technology installation and optimisation the key driver on each occasion. This paper details that continuous improvement in long standing operations can be beneficial to overall circuit flexibility and increased ounce production.

As the fourth industrial revolution proceeds, a host of complementary technologies will emerge along with IIoT. Blockchain, AI, machine learning, 3D printing and others will all become important elements of an increasingly automated supply chain. Inmarsat’s 2018 Research Programme paper delves into the new complexities that global supply chains will face, and how IIoT can improve connectivity.

With a complex orebody resulting in past periods of poor production, Evolution Mining collaborated with Leapfrog Geo to generate a geological model, as well as enabling the dynamic and rapid updating of the Grade Control block model. This article details the improvements as a result of this implementation, ultimately making modelling more consistent and efficient.

The Australian mining industry employs over 240,000 people, and therefore demands IT solutions tailored to a unique set of needs.With new technology, better business insights and development options, miners would benefit from a review of their legacy ERP. Pronto Software outline the key areas that miners should look at when considering cloud ERP implementation.

In this paper the effect of hydraulic resonance excitation in pump stations using multiple PD pumps arranged in parallel is discussed using the Minas Rio iron concentrate pipeline operated by Anglo American as a case study. The implementation of Weir Minerals Netherlands’ patented phase shift controller in the pump stations of the Minas Rio pipeline allowed the minimization of the excitation of the hydraulic resonances, thereby significantly reducing the pressure pulsation levels.

Baillieu Holst presents a collation of key figures, assets, comparisons, catallysts and risks associated with White Rock Minerals. Of particular note is the combination of good board leadership, the option value of Mt Carrington and the exploration blue sky in Alaska, making WRM an interesting ASX exploration play.

This issue by the World Gold Council highlights the complex and challenging ways that technology transforming almost every aspect of our world, and how gold plays an integral part in this societal shift.

As both outbound and inbound investment opportunities in China develop and expand for foreign companies, ShineWing have developed a checklis of key considerations for Australian companies in the mining and resources sector looking to tap into Asia’s fastest growing economy.

How much is Mindset incorporated into business strategy and what is its’ true value? Inspire Tribe outline the critical importance of Mindset in business, and how to capitalise on the Potential Profit that is achievable when strategy and mindset are expanded.

How can enhanced forecasting of price movement using advanced analytics help mining companies optimise trading decisions and increase EBIT? McKinsey & Company highlights the importance of trading mining companies investing in building the right capabilities, or risk falling behind in a few short years.

What is holding Australia back from transitioning to a decarbonised electricity supply? This whitepaper by Frazer-Nash Consultancy presents models demonstrating that a medium-sized nuclear sector alongside greatly expanded wind and solar generating capacity could bring stability, economies of scale and reliability to Australian electricity.

What can mining learn from other sector transformations? In this paper, Dassault Systèmes demonstrates how the synchronization of operations across multiple departments and between sites will achieve many operational efficiencies, as well as analysing how the Manufacturing Execution System can be applied to mining, and examining some mining early adopter case studies.

Having recently acquired the Red Mountain VMS Project in Alaska, this report by DJ Carmichael provides an in-depth review and preliminary recommendations and calculated valuations for White Rock Minerals (ASX: WRM), and for the existing project at Mt Carringtion, NSW.

How best to mitigate the risks associated with managing, distributing and storing tailings is a significant concern for any minerals processing operator. With many stakeholders potentially impacted by a breakdown in pipeline condition, Hawk Measurement Systems outlines the latest advancements in Fibre Optic Sensing systems.

What kind of impact will AI and machine-driven learning have on the mining industry? Moving beyond automation of assets, this whitepaper by Accenture digs deep into the potential of harnessing advances and the potential created by combining machine learning and reimagined processes.

Is the mining industry ready for the IIoT? The extensive research conducted by the Inmarsat Research Programme highlights a distinct lack of readiness ‘leaders’ in the sector. While this may seem surprising given some of the IIoT pojects being developed and will undoubtedly change in the near future, there are still many regions, Australia included, who are lagging behind.

The oil and gas field services industry faces a time of dramatic – perhaps unmatched – challenge and change, in particular the industry faces regulatory, financial and scientific challenges. In this whitepaper, Pronto Sofitware breaks down a number of top-of-mind issues including Utilization, Compliance and Safety, and how these can be addressed with the right ERP.

More stable kilns, improved productivity and enhanced process control are delivering more for the industry than ever before. FCT Combustion outline a number of efficiencies and environmental benefits in the utilisation of a rotary kiln burner when considering combustion performance and iron ore pellet quality.

What role does gold play in working towards positive social impacts, and what strategies is the gold industry undertaking to reduce its’ carbon footprint? The World Gold Council presents its’ initial findings, as well as case studies that demonstrate the use of gold in technologies that may assist in the transition to a low emission economy.

The World Gold Council highlights some broad themes and provides some insights into how the gold market may develop, including global economic trends, perspectives on China and India’s influential roles, investment patterns, technological applications, social and governance issues; as well as the role that gold may play in industries such as healthcare.

Underground mining technology advancements often progress with incremental impacts, rather than step-change benefits. This paper by Gekko Systems, examines the benefits of underground processing as a viable, game changing and sustainable option in the right application of amenability with the orebody and operating environment.

The Oyu Tolgoi mine is one of the world’s largest known copper and gold deposits, and they have been using the Central model management platform to track changes in the resources models of this significant open pit. In addition to increased efficiencies, Central has allowed the teams to become more collaborative, facilitating even more flexible modelling and fostering discussion.

Equipment like pumps are integral to every mining operation, with many aspects to consider such as the the type of fluid, the transfer rate, discharge and suction. Global pumps outline a checklist of key themes to assist in the decision-making process, as well providing a detailed list of definitions.

Outside of the obvious environmental benefits of powering mines either partly or exclusively with renewables, Antofagasta, CEO, Iván Arriagada outlines some of the lesser known benefits and whether there are potential economic upsides for mining operators.

In this interview, Gavin Yeates breaks down digital transformation, and what this translates to in the mining sector, as well as highlighting the need to move to a more automated streamlined operation if mines are to remain competitive.

CEO of Fortescue Metals Group Elizabeth Gaines discusses the importance for Australia to be international competitive on tax rates, especially when considering China’s Belt and Road initiative and the unprecedented investment opportunity this represents.

Drones are becoming an integral tool in the data collection cycle to manage a mines efficiency, safety and streamlining operations, but is the outlay of drone ownership or contract services balanced by the results? In this whitepaper, Airobotics provides insight into how mine operators can utilise automated drones to their advantage.

Outside of the obvious environmental benefits of powering mines either partly or exclusively with renewables, Antofagasta, CEO, Iván Arriagada outlines some of the lesser known benefits and whether there are potential economic upsides for mining operators.

In this interview, Gavin Yeates breaks down digital transformation, and what this translates to in the mining sector, as well as highlighting the need to move to a more automated streamlined operation if mines are to remain competitive.

CEO of Fortescue Metals Group Elizabeth Gaines discusses the importance for Australia to be international competitive on tax rates, especially when considering China’s Belt and Road initiative and the unprecedented investment opportunity this represents.

Drones are becoming an integral tool in the data collection cycle to manage a mines efficiency, safety and streamlining operations, but is the outlay of drone ownership or contract services balanced by the results? In this whitepaper, Airobotics provides insight into how mine operators can utilise automated drones to their advantage.

Ahead of his appearance at IMARC, Goldcorp President and CEO, David Garofalo discusses how Goldcorp is increasing gold production, reducing costs and growing gold reserves whilst also being recognised as a leader in corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

With most existing ERP Software not meeting the asset and project management needs of mine operators, this whitepaper by IFS delves into the critical need for integration of software across the business, and outlines the key steps that executives should take when reviewing ERP Software options.

With the industry ready to build again and a predicted investment increase of 9%pa until 2022 in mining, McKinsey & Company have identified nine core actions – spanning mindsets, management approaches and technical systems – that can help companies avoid past mistakes as they build anew.

In this interview Monash University’s Dean of Engineering, Elizabeth Croft details the new technologies such as automation and robotics that will shift the way mines operate. Questioning who will operate the mines of the future, where there is a greater need for cross-functional skill sets and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Gender equality has been gaining momentum publicly, but what are global companies doing to trigger fundamental and long-lasting change? In this interview, Newmont CEO Gary Goldberg gave IMARC an insight into the organisations’ specific measures that they have taken, as well as touching on other social, environmental activity.

This report from The Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Telstra, investigates digital transformation across 11 industries in 45 centres of commerce around the world, including mining, manufacturing, financial services, education, logistics and transport, retail, oil and gas, media and broadcasting, agribusiness, professional services and utilities.

With gold rising by 8% over the last year, and bitcoin offering a speculative return potential as well as the risk of crashing to zero; Jordan Eliseo, Chief Economist of the ABC Bullion analyses the investment strength and potential of precious metals, fiat currency and cryptocurrencies and how investors can achieve a healthy balance if investing in all three.

CEO of the International Council of Mining and Metals, Tom Butler highlights the critical need for the mining industry to show that the mine of the future is distinctly different from the mine of the past – not only to garner community acceptance, but more importantly to attract and retain the next generation of mining graduates.

Gold assay levels have traditionally been analysed via a labour-intensive and hazardous process, however Chrysos Corporation have been developing an alternative approach which presents rapid and accurate gold analyses in a non-destructive manner, with the potential for commercial operations to move away from conventional methods like fire assay.

In this interview Professor Elizabeth Croft, Dean of Engineering at Monash University highlights the critical need for a shift in the strategies undertaken to encourage math and science involvement from a young age, as well as re-framing the conversation in a more socially and environmentally responsible light.

BHP Billiton Chief Commercial Officer, Arnoud Balhuizen, speaks to IMARC about predicted commodity growth as a result of the electric vehicle revolution and the risks that trade policy pose to the business.

Building on their 2015 report that predicted a technology-enabled transformation of the mining industry, McKinsey & Company provide an updated perspective on how digital technology, for example advanced analytics, robotics and semi-autonomous equipment, is leading to meaningful operational improvements and productivity increases.

Digital transformation can enable companies to improve operational efficiency and optimise costs; as well as disrupt existing industries. This report by The Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Telstra, analyses the confidence levels in the local digital transformation environment across 11 different industries; and uncovers the significant challenges they currently face.

This report investigates mining industry confidence in the digital environment. It is part of the Connecting Commerce study by The Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Telstra, which explores digital transformation across 11 industries in 45 centres of commerce around the world.

This report investigates oil and gas industry confidence in the digital environment. It is part of the Connecting Commerce study by The Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Telstra, which explores digital transformation across 11 industries in 45 centres of commerce around the world.

This infographic summarises key findings for the mining industry, in the Connecting Commerce study by The Economist Intelligence Unit which analyses the confidence levels in the local digital transformation environment across 11 different industries.

Ahead of his presentation on the global energy revolution at IMARC, we spoke to Copperbank Executive Chairman Gianni Kovacevic about which battery metals are winning in the electro-mobility shift, the impact of Chinese demand and his predictions on the next exciting projects.

BHP is leaving the World Coal Association (WCA) due to differences in stance on climate change. MINE Magazine asks what the WCA’s position is and whether the association is keeping up with current trends.

The digital age has changed the game. McKinsey & Co outline in this report that while outsourcing is nothing new to energy and materials companies and in some cases even critical to capture the potential of new technology, they must do so without giving away the keys to the business.

With a freshly signed 4.2bn deal to develop a platinum mine and refinery, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa declaring the country “open for business”; the prospect of an invigorated mining sector after years of underdevelopment, alleged corruption and economic decline has some asking – is a mining surge on the horizon for Zimbabwe?

The mining industry is falling well below the global average of Overall Equipment Effectiveness, and mines are finding it harder to maintain last decade’s productivity level. Is there a way to utilise the Industrial Internet of Things, big data analytics and human-machine interaction to optimise resource extraction and production? This article by Endress+Hauser highlights some key observations and challenges when utilising Industry 4.0.

With the latest ABS data showing the increased pace of Australia’s economic growth was mainly driven by exports of mining commodities, what does Australia need to do to to meet this sector growth? In this whitepaper submission, AusIMM outlines key recommendations that the Australian Government should uptake as part of the Resources 2030 Taskforce, including building workforce supply, developing national pride and enhancing professional codes.

Gold grade is a profitability driver for a mine; lower ore grades have a significant impact on production costs. This report by MiningIntelligence analyses the highest-grade operating gold mines in the world. For a more accurate comparison, the gold mines have been separated into underground and open-pit operations, as these mining methods utilize different techniques and equipment. Where possible, by-product cash cost indicators have been omitted.

This case study looks at how the Boréalis Application successfully implemented its community engagement strategy in Vietnam, tracking the resettlement of several villages, building strong relationships with the communities and maintaining social license to operate.

This report by MiningIntelligence analyses which mining companies were the leaders of capital raising in 2017. Listing out the top 5 producers, builders, developers and explorers as well as the total values of capital that was raised within that period.

In this report OceanaGold details their commitment to exceeding sustainability and operational targets, as well as their growth strategies moving forward. The report provides details on OceanaGold’s investments into social programs, in-kind support and community infrastructure, as well as their environmental and health and safety performance.

The growing trend towards re-organising HSE functions that are failing to effectively engage with internal customers can have substantial cost savings as well as huge potential gains in efficiency and effectiveness. This whitepaper by ERM describes the challenges that the HSE function faces in the transition from high-cost service providers, to engaged and aligned business partners.

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution and the growing need for energy storage has seen a dramatic increase in price for the two key battery commodities – lithium and cobalt. These recent price spikes have raised concerns regarding the long-term supply availability of these commodities. In this report, McKinsey & Company explore a number of assumptions that have a high likelihood of occurring as well as the implications associated with each.

This eBook takes a holistic view of the mining operation and how we can take a small footprint approach. It includes expert insights on the vision for sustainable and successful mining operations using social and environmental data to improve decision making and highlights key technologies impacting the tailings and water management space, two areas in need of innovation for a sustainable future.

Mapping the massive network of tunnels that give miners underground access to mineral ores is an expensive and time-consuming process, but new optimisation software, inspired by the complexity of the microchip, could save the industry millions. This whitepaper explores how network optimisation work was applied to the design and planning of complicated, underground tunnel networks.

Over the past year, McKinsey & Company have identified several indicators of different aspects of the global mining sector’s performance, now confirming that it is turning around after the dark days of 2014, 2015, and early 2016.

Mines of the future, along with expansions of our current mines, need to be smarter in design planning for the mine’s entire life cycle, right from inception. Plant and mine must be designed cohesively with their connectivity driving production optimisation and efficiency of operations, whilst achieving the minimal possible impact on the local environment. This eBook includes insights on what’s coming next in the world of mine and plant design.

After spending a few weeks in Chile and getting a feel for the mining landscape and visiting several mining operations, Austmine highlights that the innovation and collaboration focus which has been prominent in Australia is also alive and well in Chile.

This infographic summarises key findings of the Connecting Commerce study by The Economist Intelligence Unit, which analyses the confidence levels in the local digital transformation environment across 11 different industries.

This infographic summarises key findings for the oil and gas industry, in the Connecting Commerce study by The Economist Intelligence Unit which analyses the confidence levels in the local digital transformation environment across 11 different industries. This infographic highlights why the overall industry confidence is below the global average, despite the oil and gas industry ranking highly in many digital transformation subcategories.

2017 Whitepaper Library

It may have become something of a cliché in the industry that the best quality mining assets are located in higher-risk jurisdictions, and vice versa. But is there any truth to this view? This report aims to shed the light on this issue, and gold – the favoured investment commodity around the globe – has been selected as the target metal.

People have been reluctant to invest in innovation early stage ventures due to large downside risk and little investor protection. To combat this issue the Federal government with bi-partisan support recently introduced new investment incentives for investors in early-stage innovation companies from 1 July 2016, with the aim of aligning our tax systems with a culture of entrepreneurship and risk-taking in the Australian economy.

Mining Intelligence can help your appraisers answer this question, and many others, during your next merger or acquisition deal. Offering third party due diligence consulting services to provide quick property evaluations for early exploration to pre‐feasibility stage projects.

Snowden outline how using different analysis tools including cost driver analysis, revenue loss analysis, throughput analysis and variability analysis can enable you to find more mining project value in less time.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have been traded on the ASX since 2002, with their assets under management in Australia growing 28% over the last 12 months. ETFs offer a low cost method for investors to receive the same benefits of an equity index. As with all investments, there are advantages, disadvantages and risks with using ETFs. This article addresses some of the risks.

ASIC aims to support confidence in our capital markets by proactively regulating IPOs, To ensure that ASIC is regulating IPOs in an evidence-based manner ASIC looked at the experience of institutional and retail investors in making decisions about IPO investment.

There is more to finding the right managed fund than last year’s return. With hundreds of funds available it is important to have a planned approach to assess your options, Perpetual Investments have outlined five steps to choosing a managed fund

Selecting stocks in the small cap space (exASX200) should not always focus on value, as value can be confused, overused, misleading and irrelevant with respect to share market opportunities. Dean Fergie outlines his processes for selecting stocks that will deliver a significant positive overall return over time.

White & Case recently conducted a mining and metals survey where they uncovered if now is the time for private equity to invest in the mining sector, if mining equities are expected to outperform as well as the shifts in how the financing needs of mining and metals players are being met.

With miners staging a recovery on equity markets and China concerns easing, growth is back on the agenda. But the recovery is not without its challenges and uncertainties, this article looks at Trump’s presidency and infrastructure promises and if it will have a material impact on global demand for commodities in 2017, as well as what is required for the mining industry to pivot from balance sheet repair to investing in growth before looking at what will be the next hottest commodity in 2017.

Miners find themselves in the spotlight once again as the perceived sins of the past return to haunt management teams soon to be swimming in cash— so what should management teams be doing if they want to avoid a high-profile tussle with an activist investor?

Productivity in Chile´s mining industry has lagged that of other developed mining jurisdictions for some time. In response to these concerns, the government conducted a study through Comisión Nacional de Productividad (CNP).

Mining Intelligence have developed a comparative analysis of the participating mining companies at IMARC. The analysis shows asset coverage by region, development status and commodity exposure enabling investors to review as investment opportunities prior to arriving at IMARC.

Pinpoint Communications has carried out some research into the use of GPS tracking for vehicle fleet management in Australia. This research complements an industry study by ACA Research about the adoption of telematics technology in the domestic market.

Further advancements have led to the advent of vehicle telematics, a complete fleet management solution incorporating a wide array of electronic and computer technology inside vehicles. Pinpoint Communications report on the four trends in fleet management technology that seem more than likely for 2017.

Costs are an inherent aspect of evaluating, advancing and generating profits from any mining property. They often make or break projects and are typically the final stop before “go/no go” development decisions are made. InfoMine’s Brad Terhune outlines strategies for acquiring make-or-break cost data.

Mining has become the most dynamic and diverse sector for renewable energies in the world. Just in the last month, renewables presented three new world record cases funded by the mining industry. This report looks at how the market can be summarised in 4 major blocks presented the Business & Power Flow Quadrant (BPFQ) managed by the two main variables, power flowing off the mine and power flowing into the mine.

The revival of the US coal mining sector is a strong focus of the trump administration. With falling demand and increasingly affordable renewables, Molly Lempriere asks whether American coal has had its day.

As urbanisation increases, mass construction is making sand the most mined resource on earth, with devastating environmental consequences. With no population decline in sight, Molly Lempriere asks if sand mining can be sustainable.

Comminution accounts for the largest volume of mine site energy consumption. A study has shown that to overcome the energy intensive process, the implementation of effective blasting will deliver optimum fragmentation to the mill.

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